NFR rolls out events

Monday, Dec. 1, 1997 | 11:37 a.m.

NFR Buckle Presentations

Cowboys and cowgirls gather in the East Lounge at The Orleans each night after the rodeo as buckles are presented to the winner of each event. The presentations run from 11-11:30 p.m., Dec. 5-13.

Justin vs. Wrangler Celebrity Blackjack Tournament

For the third year in a row, the Rio hosts its star-studded blackjack tournament on its main casino floor. The event features celebrities and sports figures, including NFR contestants, who compete for a $5,000 prize to be donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund on behalf of the winning team. The charity was established to provide financial support to injured rodeo participants in their time of need. The Justin vs. Wrangler Celebrity Blackjack Tournament will be held at 11:30 p.m., Dec. 10. Admission is free.

Ty Murray's Cowboy Christmas Ball

Put on your best duds and your dancing boots. Ty Murray's Cowboy Christmas Ball brings the Fashion Show Mall to life with cocktails, an elegant chuckwagon buffet, a silent auction, cowboy Christmas carols, entertainment and, of course, lots of dancing. Emceed by NFR world champion Ty Murray, the country gala benefits St. Jude's Ranch for Children. Miss Rodeo America Pagent contestants, rodeo stars and surprise guests will also be in attendance. The party runs from 6 p.m.-midnight, Dec. 4. Tickets are $150 per person. Call 294-7100 for more information.

Sam's Town Western Emporium Tent Sale

The Western Emporium at Sam's Town hosts its 12th annual tent sale, featuring footwear, clothing, novelty items and accessories for men, women and children. (See story on page 140 for more details.) The tent sale runs daily through Dec. 14 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Original Cowboy Christmas Show

Check out this PRCA-sponsored gift show for NFR and PRCA souvenirs. The show also features western wear and leather goods, including belts, buckles, boots, spurs, custom jewelry, textiles, pottery and more. The event takes place in the Cashman Field Center, located at 850 Las Vegas Blvd. N, and is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is free.

Country Christmas Western Gift Expo

Sporting the theme RWhere the real cowboys and cowgirls shop in Vegas,S the gift expo celebrates its fourth year at the Sands Expo & Convention Center. Over 300 Western retailers display ladies and men's apparel, western lifestyles gifts and accessories, specialty products, horse care, tack products and thousands of Christmas gift items. Professional bull riders and country superstars will be on hand during selected hours to sign autographs, and the World Championship Dummy Roping for Children takes place Dec. 11-13. The Sands Expo & Convention Center is located at 201 Sands Ave. Shop till you drop from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 5-14. Admission is free.

The MGM Grand Cowboy Experience

The MGM Grand hosts a Christmas western expo in grand style. Upscale vendors offer incredible belt buckles, boots, saddles and much, much more. Located in the Grand Garden Arena, the expo runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Dec. 11-13. Admission is free.

Miss Rodeo America Pageant

Rodeo queens from around the country gather at the Flamingo Hilton to vie for the title of Miss Rodeo America. The festivities carry on Nov. 30-Dec. 7. Public events, which take place at the Flamingo Hilton unless otherwise noted, include: Nov. 30 fashion show at the Fashion Show Mall, 3-6:30 p.m.; Dec. 2 horsemanship competition at the Excalibur's indoor arena, 9 a.m.-noon.; Dec. 3 contestant speech session, 8-9:15 a.m., dinner and fashion show, 7-10 p.m.; Dec. 4 contestant speech session, 8-9:15 a.m., president's luncheon and impromptu questions, noon-1:30 p.m., Ty Murray's Third Annual Cowboy Ball at the Fashion Show Mall, 6 p.m.-midnight; Dec. 5 Contestant speech session, 8-9:15 a.m., contestant introductions in Original Cowboy Christmas Gift Show at Cashman Field, noon-3 p.m.; Dec. 6 coronation performance and luncheon, 11:30 a.m.; Dec. 7 awards breakfast, 7:30 a.m. For information and ticket prices, call 733-3333.